DEA New Jersey Division and The Orange PD Seize 700 Pounds of Marijuana

JUL 18 -- (Newark, NJ) Gerard P. McAleer, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New Jersey Division announced today that on July 15, Special Agents of the DEA New Jersey Division and members of the Orange Police Department seized approximately 700 pounds of marijuana from a warehouse in Orange, NJ. As a result of the seizure DENNIS PAMPLIN, aka “KING” and BRIAN HENRY were arrested.

This investigation began in July 2007, with the cooperation of the Bermuda Police Service. The investigation revealed that during this time period, BRIAN HENRY assisted DENNIS PAMPLIN in packaging more than 1000 kilograms of marijuana for approximately five (5) different shipments that were transported overseas from the Port of Newark, New Jersey to Bermuda.

The marijuana seized on July 15 was located after a canine trained in the detection of narcotics alerted around the area of six (6) concrete pillars. Subsequent examination revealed that inside each pillar was a metal cylinder measuring approximately five feet high by one foot wide. Located inside each metal cylinder were individually wrapped, vacuum-sealed discs which contained suspected marijuana. Also seized from within the warehouse were scales, hydraulic pressing machines, vacuum-sealing materials, and disc shaped steel molds.

Special Agent in Charge of the DEA, New Jersey Division, Gerard P. McAleer stated, “This paradise island nation has not been immune to the ill effects of drug trafficking and the arrest of these drug traffickers will have a profound affect on the availability of drugs in Bermuda. The Bermuda Police Service has always worked diligently with the DEA to thwart drug traffickers working between our countries.”

Chief Inspector Andrew Boyce, spokesman for the Bermuda Police Service stated, “This operation is a clear indication of the long and productive relationship between the DEA and the Bermuda Police Service. The quantity of drugs seized is very significant from the Bermuda perspective, as a weight of 700 pounds of Cannabis could be sold on the streets of Bermuda for over $15 million. We will provide whatever support and assistance that is required by the DEA to make this case a success.”

As a result of their arrests, DENNIS PAMPLIN and BRIAN HENRY were charged in the Southern District of New York with violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 812, 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A), Conspiracy to unlawfully, intentionally, and knowingly distributing and possessing with the intent to distribute 1000 kilograms and more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of marijuana. BRIAN HENRY was remanded into the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service with no bail, and DENNIS PAMPLIN was remanded into the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service in lieu of a 3 million dollar personal recognizance bond.

Despite these charges every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendant has all of the trial rights guaranteed by the United States Constitution.